Kev woke with a gasp, his heart pounding, the remnants of vivid, unsettling nightmares clinging to him like cobwebs. He sat up in bed, his eyes heavy, his body slick with a cold sweat. He took a few deep, shaky breaths, trying to dispel the lingering images of sterile rooms and sharp, gleaming instruments.
He glanced at his watch: 7 am. Another day.
He dragged himself out of bed, the weight of his anxieties making his limbs feel like lead. As he stepped out into the living room, the familiar scent of marijuana smoke greeted him. Horns was already awake, perched on the edge of the couch, a lit joint dangling from his lips. The mooseman still looked rough, his earlier intoxication, though, was replaced by a more alert demeanor.
Horns looked over as Kev entered, a faint smile on his face. "Morning, Kev," he said, his voice a low rumble.
Kev just nodded, his throat too tight for words. He made his way to the kitchen and poured himself a large glass of water, gulping it down in an attempt to wash away the lingering taste of fear. He then slumped into the armchair opposite Horns, his body feeling drained and heavy. He fumbled for his cigarette case, his hands still trembling slightly, and lit a cigarette, inhaling deeply as if it were a lifeline.
Horns took another drag from his joint, exhaling a plume of smoke. "I, uh, finished off the oil at some point last night," he admitted, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Sorry about that."
Kev managed a weak smile. "It's fine, Horns," he said, his voice still a bit raspy. "That stuff was a bit too strong for me anyways."
Horns chuckled, a low rumble in his chest. "You seemed to enjoy it well enough last night," he remarked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"I did," Kev conceded, "but it made me a bit too… relaxed. Made me say too much… Had some weird dreams too." He shuddered, the unsettling images from his nightmares flashing through his mind.
Suddenly, Horns's face paled, his eyes widening. He clapped a massive hand over his mouth and, with a muffled groan, lurched to his feet and bolted towards the bathroom. The sound of violent retching echoed through the small apartment.
Kev winced sympathetically. It seemed the potent oil, combined with whatever Dale had served him and the lingering effects of his earlier intoxication, had finally caught up with the mooseman.
Shaking his head, Kev headed to the kitchen. He wasn't particularly hungry, but the familiar routine of preparing food offered a sense of normalcy. He started toasting some bagels and brewing a fresh pot of coffee, the domestic sounds a welcome distraction from the unsettling start to his morning.
Just as the coffee finished brewing and the bagels were turning a golden brown, a familiar knock echoed through the apartment. Kev opened the door to find Cindy and Max, their usual cheerful smiles gracing their faces.
Cindy, with her usual brisk efficiency, swept past Kev and headed straight for the kitchen. "Good morning, dear," she chirped, her voice a cheerful melody. "Smells like you're already making breakfast."
Max, meanwhile, settled onto the couch with a contented sigh, his gaze sweeping across the apartment. "Morning, Kev," he said, a playful grin on his face.
Kev couldn't help but smile. "You two are early today," he remarked, gesturing towards the player piano. He selected a lively scroll, and soon the apartment was filled with the cheerful strains of a ragtime tune. "Figured I'd get the music going before the day really started."
He turned to Cindy, who was already bustling around the kitchen, inspecting the contents of the fridge and cupboards. "Cindy," he said, "could you cook for one more? We have a guest."
Cindy's eyes lit up, a knowing smile spreading across her face. "Oh?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of excitement. "Is Fang on his way?"
Kev chuckled, a warmth spreading through him at the mention of Fang's name. "Not this time," he replied. "Horns is here. He crashed on the couch last night."
Just then, Horns emerged from the bathroom, looking pale and slightly green around the gills, but considerably less volatile than the night before. He offered a weak wave to Cindy and Max.
"Max, old buddy," Horns croaked, his voice still hoarse, "mind if I reclaim my spot?" He gestured towards the couch.
Max, ever obliging, hopped up from the couch and moved to the armchair Kev had vacated. "No problem at all, Horns," he said with a grin. He then turned to the mooseman, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "So, how was dancing on your day off? Hear you really cut a rug."
Horns groaned and plopped down onto the couch, his massive frame sinking into the cushions. "Amazing," he mumbled, his eyes closing wearily. "Until this morning."
Cindy's expression softened slightly as she looked at Horns. "I'm happy you had a good time, dear," she said, her voice gentle, "but you need to be careful you don't drink too much. Dale had some choice words about the situation last night."
Horns sheepishly looked down at his large hooves, a flush creeping up his neck. "Sorry," he mumbled.
Cindy brought over a tray laden with steaming mugs of coffee and a fragrant pot of tea. She set it on the coffee table with a soft clink. "It's alright, dear," she said, her voice reassuring as she poured Horns a cup of black coffee. "Just be sure to let Dale know that. He won't hold it against you."
Horns nodded, gratefully accepting the offered mug. He took a long sip, the hot liquid seeming to revive him slightly.
Cindy's gaze then fell upon the glass water pipe still sitting on the coffee table from where Horns had been using it earlier. Her brow furrowed slightly. "Is this yours, Horns?" she asked, her tone neutral but with an underlying hint of disapproval.
Horns glanced up from his coffee, his eyes still a bit bloodshot, and said, "Yes."
Cindy sighed, a soft, almost maternal sound. "I kind of had a feeling it was." She looked over at Kev, a pointed but not unkind expression on her face. "Where do stinky things go, dear?"
Kev put down his drink with a small smile. "I'll be right back," he said. He grabbed the water pipe and the bag of oil and took them to his bedroom, placing them securely in the safe.
When Kev returned, the atmosphere in the apartment had subtly shifted. Candles were lit, their soft flames dancing and casting a warm glow, and the windows were open wide, allowing a gentle breeze to circulate, carrying the fresh scent of the morning. Cindy was now perched on the piano bench, a delicate teacup in hand, swaying gently to the lively ragtime tune.
Kev leaned against the kitchen counter, observing the scene with amusement. Max kicked back on the armchair, stretching his legs out. "Got a long day ahead of me," he remarked, his voice a lazy drawl. "Hope you're not gonna cause me any extra trouble today, Kev."
Kev grinned. "I can't help myself sometimes."
Just then, a strangled groan emanated from the couch. Horns lurched to his feet again and made another hasty retreat to the bathroom, the sounds of his distress echoing through the apartment.
Cindy sighed, shaking her head, though a hint of amusement played on her lips. "Boys and their fun," she said, taking a delicate sip of her tea.
Max looked over at Cindy and chuckled. "Hey, not all of us are lightweights like that moose."
Kev chuckled, finishing his coffee. He glanced over at the stove where Cindy had taken over breakfast preparations. The aroma of sizzling bacon and eggs was beginning to fill the air. Cindy, with practiced efficiency, moved around the small kitchen, her movements graceful and sure.
Horns returned from the bathroom once more, looking even paler than before. He collapsed onto the couch, letting out a long, suffering groan.
Kev, feeling a pang of sympathy, said, "Horns, I'm using the bathroom real quick. Just knock if you need it."
Horns just groaned in response, his eyes closed.
Kev quickly cleaned up in the bathroom, then returned to find Cindy plating up the food. She handed him a generous portion of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and perfectly toasted bagels. "Here you go, dear," she said with a warm smile.
"Thanks, Cindy," Kev replied, his stomach rumbling in appreciation.
They ate, Cindy and Max chatting quietly while Kev enjoyed his meal. Horns managed one weak bite of a bagel before laying down again, his eyes closed, a pained expression on his face.
Kev collected the empty plates and rinsed them in the sink. Cindy stood up, her movements graceful. "Well, dears," she announced, "we'll be leaving. It's good to see Kev is doing so well despite everything." She walked over to the couch and gently rubbed Horns's arm. "Rest up, Horns. Your shift is in nine hours."
Horns nodded weakly, his eyes still closed. "Thank you, Cindy," he mumbled.
Max finished his coffee and passed the empty mug to Kev. "Make sure the big guy takes it easy," he said, a playful grin on his face. "He's got to be ready for the real world again tonight." He then followed Cindy out of the apartment.
Kev diligently cleaned the breakfast dishes, the warm water and soap a surprisingly soothing sensation against his skin. With the apartment tidy once more, he changed into the black swim trunks Horns had procured for him. He grabbed his cigarette case and a towel, ready to enjoy the pool.
Just as he was about to head out, a knock sounded at the door. He opened it to find Sabrina, already clad in her vibrant red bikini, her sunglasses perched atop her fiery hair. Talon stood a respectful distance behind her, his black suit looking slightly out of place in the bright morning light.
"Morning, Kev!" Sabrina chirped, her voice bright and energetic. "You're glowing as always." She skillfully maneuvered her wheelchair into his apartment, her gaze sweeping around the room with approval.
Talon nodded a polite greeting at Kev as he followed his sister inside.
Kev turned to say "Good morning," but Sabrina was already chattering, her eyes wide as she spotted Horns on the couch. "Who's the big guy?" she exclaimed, her voice a stage whisper. "Did you have a sleepover? Oh, the drama! Do we have to keep this a secret from Fang?"
Talon walked past Sabrina and into the kitchen, selecting a piece of fruit from the bowl on the counter. "Quiet down, sister," he said, his voice a low rasp. "That is Mr. Horns. I've told you about him." He glanced over at the mooseman, a frown creasing his brow. "He doesn't look good. Is he okay?"
Horns, his eyes still closed, let out a dramatic groan. "I'm just dying," he mumbled. "Don't mind me."
Sabrina rolled her wheelchair closer to the couch, peering down at the ailing moose. "Well, come die outside at the pool," she suggested brightly. "It's nicer out there."
Horns cracked an eye open, looking up at Sabrina. "Outside is so far away, though," he groaned, his voice weak.
Sabrina tapped her chin thoughtfully. "You're too big to ride on my chair," she mused, then turned to Talon with a bright idea. "Brother! Carry your boss down to the pool!"
Talon, who was calmly eating another piece of fruit, paused mid-chew. He looked at his sister, then at Horns, a flicker of exasperation in his sharp eyes. "I apologize for my sister, Mr. Horns," he said, his voice a dry rasp. "She can be an idiot."
Horns chuckled, a weak, wheezing sound. "Some fresh air would be nice," he conceded, slowly pushing himself into a sitting position.
Sabrina rolled her wheelchair over to Talon and, with surprising speed, snatched the piece of fruit from his hand. She took a large bite and handed it back. "Brother, I am going down to the pool," she announced, her voice echoing with mock urgency. "If you take too long and I accidentally roll myself in and drown, it will be your fault." She wheeled herself expertly out of the apartment, calling back over her shoulder, "Hurry up, slowpokes!" and then she was gone.
Kev grinned, shaking his head at Sabrina's theatrics. "You getting changed, Talon?" he asked, gesturing towards the eagleman's impeccable suit. "Might be hard to swim in that."
Talon glanced around the apartment, his gaze lingering on Horns for a moment before returning to Kev. "Yes," he said, a slight hesitation in his voice. "I'll meet you down there in ten." His eyes flicked back to Horns, a serious expression on his face. "Mr. Horns, you will keep eyes on Kev, correct?"
Horns, still looking a bit green, waved a dismissive hand. "Yeah, yeah," he mumbled, already sinking back into the couch cushions.
Talon nodded curtly and exited the apartment, leaving Kev and Horns alone once more.
Kev looked at Horns, a sympathetic smile on his face. "If you don't want to go outside, it's no big deal," he said gently.
Horns groaned, pushing himself up from the couch with considerable effort. "I want to," he insisted, his voice still a bit shaky. "My body just doesn't want to." He slapped his legs a few times, as if trying to coax them into cooperation, then slowly stood up.
Horns and Kev exited the apartment, the mooseman walking at a slow, deliberate pace. They descended the grand staircase, Horns leaning heavily on the railing, and finally made their way out to the pool area.